NBC-affiliate WBBH-TV, owned by Waterman Broadcasting Corp., had an NTSC tower that was 20 years old and didn't meet federal or local standards for wind loading. It wasn't economically feasible for the station to upgrade it. With an FCC digital deadline for channels 15 (WBBH-TV) and 41 (WZVN-TV), station management decided to construct a new tower and a new building for its digital transmitters.

The design for the Punta Gorda, FL, tower was based on ANSI EIA/TIA-222-F code. Contractors Kline Towers and Carolina Towers were chosen for their quality and experience in constructing tall towers. Contractor Owen Ames Kimball was hired to build a 2000-square-foot facility to house the station's transmitters and extensive RF transmission system.

One time-consuming task was convincing Charlotte County that a new tower was needed,...